Baseball by the Book

A veteran baseball journalist interviews today's best baseball authors about their books.

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Episodes

Episode 249: "Future Value"

From the MLB Draft to international academies, the role of scouting in baseball has evolved considerably since the days of "Moneyball." Kiley McDaniel and Eric Logenhagen take us on a deep dive into the modern world of talent evaluation and player development.

Apr 14, 2020•47 min

Episode 248: "Yogi"

From the streets of St. Louis to the beaches of Normandy to a spot behind home plate at Yankee Stadium, Yogi Berra became a baseball immortal and an American icon. Author Jon Pessah joins us to discuss his new, definitive biography of the legendary Bronx Bomber catcher.

Apr 10, 2020•57 min

Episode 247: "The Wax Pack"

Brad Balukjian opened a pack of 1986 Topps baseball cards and then embarked on a road trip across the United States to search for the players on the cards. Join us as the author describes his quest to find stars like Carlton Fisk and Dwight Gooden as well as lesser lights like Rance Mullinicks and Jaime Cocanower.

Apr 07, 2020•50 min

Episode 246: "Billy Ball"

In 1980, baseball's most controversial and colorful manager took over the lowly Oakland A's. The result was a tumultuous three-season reign that may well have saved baseball in Oakland. Author Dale Tafoya joins us to discuss the era of Billy Martin, Rickey Henderson and Charlie Finely.

Apr 03, 2020•46 min

Episode 245: "Swing Kings"

Baseball fans are living in the age of the home run, with new records being obliterated seemingly every year. Author Jared Diamond joins us to discuss how a revolutionary rethinking of the traditional baseball swing has transformed the way the game is played, with more strikeouts, longer games and fewer balls in play.

Mar 31, 2020•44 min

Episode 244: "The Cup of Coffee Club"

Author Jacob Kornhauser joins us to discuss the stories of eleven men who played in just a single major league baseball game and how it affected their lives. From Larry Yount to Jeff Banister to Ron Wright, here are the heirs to Moonlight Graham.

Mar 27, 2020•46 min

Episode 243: "Hall of Name"

What's in a name? To author D.B. Firstman, everything. From Johnny Dickshot and Drungo Hazewood to Biff Pocoroba and Dorsey Riddlemoser, Firstman takes us on an magical moniker tour of baseball's best and most unusual names.

Mar 24, 2020•42 min

Episode 242: "Live! From the NINE Conference"

For the first time, Baseball by the Book goes on the road. Host Justin McGuire moderates a three-author panel at the NINE Conference in Tempe, Ariz. Joins authors James Brunson, Jeremy Beer and Ron Rapoport as they discuss the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues and talk about the best books on black baseball.

Mar 16, 2020•1 hr 9 min

Episode 241: "The Incredible Women of the AAGPBL"

You've seen "A League of Their Own," now get the rest of the story. Author and illustrator Anika Orrock shares with us the amazing story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Find more of the author's work at anikaorrock.com .

Mar 10, 2020•50 min

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